It’s not easy to stand out in the over-saturated landscape of producers and DJs, with everyone trying to become "the next Avicii" or ‘the new Guetta’. And while it all comes down to making truly remarkable music and being able to work non-stop, a bit of help can’t hurt. Especially when the help comes from big brands, respected publications and dance music fans who may very soon become your fans. That’s why keeping up with DJ contests is literally part of your job. So take a look at this list of current and annual contests and programs and don’t forget to send us VIP tickets to your set when you end up winning any of them!

Burn Residency

https://residency.burn.com/es/en/program

Apply in April

This monster of a competition’s motto is “It takes a Superstar DJ to make one,” and they’re not kidding. Everything, from the judges to the prizes screams “Win hard or die spinning”. Burn Residency was launched back in 2012 with the goal of finding the next best DJ and shower him/her with money, exposure and wild career opportunities. It all begins with the application process on residency.burn.com throughout April and May with contestants coming from all over the world. Then it’s judging time and it’s really The X Factor: Ibiza—the fate of the contestants is decided by the mighty Carl Cox and other big namers. Stakes are sky high: 100,000 euro contract, residency at Ibiza’s hot spot and other goodies. The process is tough, so make sure to do your homework.

Red Bull Music Academy

http://www.redbullmusicacademy.com/about

Apply in January

Red Bull Music Academy is Hogwarts for musicians with hours of workshops, lectures, studio sessions, music events and other once-in-a-DJ-lifetime opportunities presented to the lucky few who survived the tough audition process. Launched back in 1998, it changes location every year—from Berlin to Madrid, from New York to London. The 2016 season will be held in Montreal, Canada, September 25 through October 28. Not sure if you’re fit to apply? “The Academy is intended for anyone with a love for music and a desire to be involved in its evolution” says the website. Just make sure to read all the rules and guidelines and who knows—maybe next year you’ll be spinning your mix to Mannie Fresh!

We asked Olga Bohan, Russian DJ/head of styling/sports nutritionist, who completed the program back in 2008, to share her memories: “RBMA is a unique place to meet talents from around the globe and to keep this networking after the camp. Of course it boosted my DJ career and gave me amazing gigs that I could only dream of, like Switzerland, Spain or Turkey. But the most important thing is that I've got this feeling now that everything is possible.”

Miller Soundclash

https://www.mixcloud.com/competitions/millersoundclash2016/

Apply in April

What do you get when you mix beer, online radio platform and a behemoth of a record label? A competition you do not want to miss. Annual competition Miller Soundclash is a lovechild of Miller Genuine Draft/Mixloud/Universal Music union and gives an opportunity to get a major label deal as well as playing your music in Vegas. You also get new shiny equipment. It starts with the regional competitions around the world before climaxing in Las Vegas at one hell of a DJ battle. To enter you’re asked to upload a 20-minute-long mix to Mixcloud.com and tag it with #MillerSoundClash.  

Outlook Festival Competition

http://www.outlookfestival.com/djcomp/#

Apply in spring

What can be more fun than going to one of the best European festivals? Playing at one! The organizers of Croatian Outlook Festival agree with us as they frequently run a joint competition with Mixcloud to help aspiring DJs not only get to the busy festival site for free and get free camping spot but also play their music as headliners. The festival also runs competitions for designers (you’re asked to create your version of Outlook merchandise) and DJs who mix exclusively on vinyl.

DMC World DJ Championships

http://www.dmcdjchamps.com/

Ongoing

DMC World DJ Championships was launched long before the dance music conquered the world: the first one took place in London back in 1985. Thirty-one years later it’s still going strong, attracting turntable magicians from all over the world. This year the battles take place in the UK, Australia, China, Japan and Canada. To enter you have to fill out the form. Then you have to figure out how to make a quick impression as everyone’s allowed only six minutes of performing. Don’t wanna spend money on plane tickets? No worries, there’s also Online DJ Championships.

Beatport. Play Contest

http://play.beatport.com/

Beatport’s Play currently hosts a remix competition for Parisian producer Ron Costa’s single “Berige.” The participants are welcome to wave their magic wands (or more like press magical buttons on their turntables) to create remixes which are later assessed by the public and Costa himself. The remix will bring the lucky finalists proper release, controllers, unlimited accounts on the cloud-based mastering platform, headphone bags and other goodies. Make sure to check the website for more contests.

Spinnin’ Record Contests

https://www.spinninrecords.com/contest/

All year round

One of the world’s most renowned dance music labels Spinnin’ Records knows how to get the electro fans busy all year round with their never-ending stream of contests. Whether it’s the opportunity to play a huge festival, get your remix released or win a trip to Miami, there’s always something nice to fight for at the label’s website. Now that’s definitely something worth of keeping in your browser’s bookmarks!

Mixcloud Competitions

https://www.mixcloud.com/competitions/

All year round

As you’ve probably figured out by now, Mixcloud never shies away from hosting a competition and the website even has a special page for all the present and past contests. Make sure to check the page regularly to never miss a chance of winning new equipment, plane tickets to the hottest dance spots and even more promising rewards.